13.9% alc., 3,938
cases, $23. To be released in June 2009. Fermented in small, open-top
fermenters and punched down three times per day. Aged 10 months in 25%
new French oak barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-violet color. A simple but
thoroughly satisfying wine featuring red berries, crushed cherries, savory
herbs, tobacco, and a deft touch of oak vanillin. Terrifically smooth mouth feel
with gossamer tannins. Not a wine to contemplate and won’t send pinotphiles into
ecstasy, but impossible to find a better easy-drinking California Pinot Noir for this price.
Great Pinot bang for the buck.Reviewed June 5, 2009